Kristin Waters, Norborne

VICE PRESIDENT 2026-27

For my SAE, I run an operation of numerous mature cows, split evenly with a spring and fall calving herd. I use 14 grassland acres to provide pasture and hay production for my herd. Most of my cows are purebred Herefords with a commercial cow who is a recipient in my embryo-transfer program. I show purebred Hereford cattle at local, state and national shows. My goal is to have good quality cattle in the show ring and productive mother cows in my herd. I market my high quality cattle at association sponsored sales or by private treaty. I also use a high-quality sale barn close to my farm where I take commercial heifers, steers, bull calves and cow-calf pairs to sell. These opportunities help me produce income from my SAE and give me a chance to influence other cattle producers to grow their herd with high quality cattle from my farm. Through 4-H and FFA premiums and selling cattle, I have been able to invest back into my SAE and buy select semen to enhance my herd’s genetics. Alongside Beef Entrepreneurship, I also cash rent ground for a row crop operation consisting of soybean and corn production. I partner with a local farmer for planting and harvesting to increase efficiency in production. This consists of a strict corn-soybean rotation to ensure proper stewardship of my land.

Many FFA members have helped me create memories that will make the final moments in the corduroy jacket meaningful and emotional. My pockets are stuffed full of memories of my family, friends and strangers rooting for me through this voyage via notes, tokens of appreciation and momentos. This is exactly why I wanted to be a state FFA officer. Through my year in office, I want to turn ordinary moments into extraordinary memories for our members.

The blue corduroy of the FFA jacket has been the symbol of love for a challenge, love to serve and love for agriculture in my household for generations. Growing up in agriculture, I heard stories of what putting on this jacket could do for an individual and the numerous stitches a member could inevitably sew with the other wearers. I hope FFA members feel that they have someone in their corner, rooting for them in their endeavors, during and after my year of service.

Through my year as a Missouri FFA State Officer, I plan to attend the University of Missouri to study agriculture education. I plan to run for the National Junior Hereford Board of Directors to serve my livestock breed association more closely. After receiving my degree, I aspire to work for an agriculture-based association in communications or youth activities to continue influencing members and advocating for this wonderful industry.

Something few people know about me is that I love collecting fun mugs. Most of the time, I will buy these myself from places I have visited – though sometimes I find cute ones at TJMAXX that I grab as well that are holiday themed. My favorite mug I have received was one that appeared to look as if it was a fire extinguisher, which one of my roommates from the Washington Leadership Conference sent to me for my birthday.

The piece of advice I give most often, though cliche, is to step out of your comfort zone. We only have four guaranteed years in this organization and making use of every opportunity will do a member the most good when finding their niche within FFA.